Faravahar

Faravahar or Farohar, Forouhar, Firavarti and Fravahar is the symbol of Zoroastrianism, a religion that originated in the Iranian plateau and was founded by Zarathustra.

In the Zoroastrian faith faravahar is a symbol of the spirit, which is to continue to exist even before birth and after death of a person, what the circle (ring) around the trunk symbolizes the Faravahar.

This symbol shall not be considered as an image of Ahura Mazda (God). In ancient Iran, there were no images of Ahura Mazda, the symbol of light and the fire it was chosen for him. The symbol of the spirit, Faravahar opposite shows, acting forces, which are understood by many so that Ahura Mazda, so God, constantly lies with Ahriman, the evil in the fight.

The name is derived from the Faravahar Avestan name Firavarti. Fara or Fira means flying or the one who flies. Varti Vahar or rather means Ascend choice of good or the good spirit. The name Faravahar therefore means the supreme Chosen Good Spirit, who flies out of purity.

Symbol of Faravahar

Fire Temple in Yazd

Faravahar above the Behistun inscription of Darius I (r. 522-486 )